John I. Dawes Early Learning Center February Highlights

The following highlights are submitted by Irene Policastro, the Secretary to Superintendent John J. Marciante of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District.

Dental Health Month

On February 12th, Dr. Gallagher’s office had two dental assistants meet with all preschool and kindergarten classes in small groups to discuss the importance of taking care of your teeth. The children got to hold and touch real dental instruments! With puppets, rhymes, and games, the dentist captured the children’s attention. All children left with a goody bag filled with a toothbrush and stickers. It was a terrific visit by one of our community helpers!

Chinese New Year Assembly

Suzy Eng, an instructional assistant at the ELC, presented an outstanding assembly on Chinese New Year to our kindergarten students. The children learned about the background of the holiday, as well as the food, clothing, and decorations. She used a variety of authentic props, including a dragon costume. The children were fascinated!

Paws-itive Behavior

This month we continued to reinforce the traits of Roy the Responsible Rabbit. The students are encouraged to:

• Do what you’re supposed to do
• Keep on trying
• Always do your best
• Help your family and friends

Many students are earning paw print stickers on a daily basis. Ask your children if they have earned one!

We are also acknowledging the Bus Line of the Week for kindergarten. Each week we highlight a bus line of students who have had a great week with following directions, using inside voices and keeping their hands to themselves. We announce the winning lines each Monday, and the children receive special prizes. Ask your child if they have been the bus line winner yet!

February Festivities

We celebrated Valentine’s Day by wearing red and pink, and the classes celebrated by having healthy heart parties. The PTA sponsored “Have a Heart” for Valentine’s Day. The students purchased hearts and decorated them. The festive hearts were hung all around the building for the month of February. Half of the proceeds were donated to the American Heart Association. In addition, we celebrated the 100th Day of School with special activities.